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Senators Lose Starting Goalie Indefinitely For Personal Reasons
Linus Ullmark has taken a personal leave of absence from the Ottawa Senators, leaving the team without its No. 1 goaltender.
The Ottawa Senators announced Sunday that goaltender Linus Ullmark is taking a leave of absence from the team for personal reasons. General manager Steve Staios confirmed the decision, stating the organization fully supports Ullmark and will not provide further details out of respect for his privacy.
Ottawa will designate Ullmark as a non-roster player, and his absence is considered indefinite.
The news comes at a difficult time for both the player and the team. Ullmark is coming off a rough outing in Saturday’s 7–5 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs, and his absence leaves the Senators without their No. 1 goaltender during a critical stretch of the season.
Still, the priority remains Ullmark’s well-being, with the organization emphasizing support for him and his family.
From a scheduling standpoint, Ottawa will look to weather the situation during a manageable run of games. The Senators begin a four-game homestand Monday against the Columbus Blue Jackets, with two matchups against teams currently outside the playoff picture. A road trip on Jan. 8 follows, a date the team hopes could align with Ullmark’s return.
Acquired from Boston in a blockbuster trade last offseason and signed to a four-year, $33 million extension, Ullmark has struggled in 2025–26, posting an .881 save percentage and ranking last in goals saved above expected.
With backup Leevi Merilainen also struggling, the Senators are expected to lean on AHL call-up Hunter Shepard while navigating Ullmark’s absence.
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